Why don't e-readers try to offer more extra functions (mp3 player, games...)?

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by PurpleStar

I don’t want my e-reader to have extra functions like a camera, games and mp3’s. That’s what cell phones are for! I like my e-reader for reading.

I actually don't care if my e-reader has all those extra features or not.

However, I'd rather have a simple/basic e-reader if that keeps the price down, and I'd prefer manufacturers to focus more on improvements that benefit reading experience.

[Tarana]

Originally Posted by PurpleStar

I don’t want my e-reader to have extra functions like a camera, games and mp3’s. That’s what cell phones are for! I like my e-reader for reading.

Nobody is arguing about that. Most people want their e-reader for reading. But having a notepad on your ereader is handy - especially for listing more books you want to get.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

I actually don't care if my e-reader has all those extra features or not.

However, I'd rather have a simple/basic e-reader if that keeps the price down, and I'd prefer manufacturers to focus more on improvements that benefit reading experience.

I think this is a big point. Whistles and bells don't have to be used. If they could be provided without prices rising too high, and without affecting the stability of an otherwise rock-solid reading experience, who would care if their dedicated ereader had a feature they never enabled/utilized?

You don't hear car-owners who never drive on the highway complaining that their vehicle has cruise-control. They just don't use it.

[Ken Maltby]

Originally Posted by ilovejedd

I actually don't care if my e-reader has all those extra features or not.

However, I'd rather have a simple/basic e-reader if that keeps the price down, and I'd prefer manufacturers to focus more on improvements that benefit reading experience.

You might checkout the KOReader project at Github, it is maintained by an international team of volunteers, and is driven by issues raised by users. Issues raised in the KOReader Forum here on MR are often addressed within days at the project.

Luck;
Ken

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by Ken Maltby

You might checkout the KOReader project at Github, it is maintained by an international team of volunteers, and is driven by issues raised by users. Issues raised in the KOReader Forum here on MR are often addressed within days at the project.

Luck;
Ken

Have it installed on my Kindle but quite honestly, not a big fan.

[arjaybe]

I guess I could see an audio player so you could listen to the audiobook as you read along in the ebook.

[Apache]

I do read on a tablet. I do not find the weight a problem since I consider it the same as reading a hard cover book. I love being able to have Calibre installed, on my tablet, which gives me immediate access to all books. The Calibre Library is installed on a compact flash drive and is backed up constantly. The only time I use the tablet for anything except reading is if I am traveling.
If I am listening to music or audiobooks I use my mp3 player, which has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Apache

[LucyOne]

The newer Pocketbook devices do have all these features built in: a browser, some games, a note pad, a calculator, an RSS reader. The luxury models also offer audio features. I hardly ever use these functions, though, they are much more convenient on my phone.

[kyteflyer]

My Sony PRS-650 has capacity to play Mp3, and has a notepad. I never used it. Didnt miss them when I moved to Kobo and Kindle. I can't have music playing when I am reading, I am easily distracted and need silence as much as possible.

[HLS]

The original Nook had games on it. very basic ones I think

[steven168]

Originally Posted by kyteflyer

My Sony PRS-650 has capacity to play Mp3, and has a notepad. I never used it. Didnt miss them when I moved to Kobo and Kindle. I can't have music playing when I am reading, I am easily distracted and need silence as much as possible.

some people say listen to music and reading is better... but definitely not for me...

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by steven168

some people say listen to music and reading is better... but definitely not for me...

I can't read and listen to music at the same time. I have to concentrate on one thing or the other. But having the ability to download and listen to related podcasts on the same eReader where I have related books, seems to be a good idea. One source for related subjects. At least I like having that option.

[HLS]

Well if you want the extra functions a tablet is a way to go. eink ereaders are meant to be distraction free and just for reading

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by kcladyz

Well if you want the extra functions a tablet is a way to go. eink ereaders are meant to be distraction free and just for reading

Not for me. Too big, too heavy and too short of a battery life – and I don't like staring at the LCD screen. Two features were included with x50 Series and T1, ability to play MP3s and the ability to take notes. I don't think those two features are too taxing for eReader hardware.

[azayn]

Audiobooks, music, and games are better suited to a smartphone than an e-Ink device. I'd like to see better out-of-the-box support for Pocket/Instapaper, online news, Wikipedia, etc.